A significant controversy has erupted within New Mexico’s judicial system following the resignation of Judge Joel Cano, who stepped down after Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an alleged member of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, was apprehended at his residence. Ortega-Lopez,
an undocumented immigrant associated with a gang designated as a terrorist organization, was discovered residing in a small dwelling behind Cano’s home, armed with illegal weapons. Cano, a former police officer who became a magistrate judge, permitted Ortega-Lopez to inhabit his property and utilize his address for immigration purposes, raising profound ethical and legal issues.
